In 2016, Mekayla Bali, a 16-year-old girl, disappeared without a trace from Yorkton, Sask. She was last seen at a bus depot and was reported missing by her family. Despite being added to missing children’s lists in both Canada and the U.S., her whereabouts remain unknown. Mekayla’s mother, Paula Bali, vividly remembers the day her daughter went missing and continues to hope for her safe return after eight years, although she is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation. She feels that the RCMP, who were involved in the initial search for Mekayla, have let her down and treated her poorly, making the situation even more traumatic for her family.
As Missing Persons Week in Saskatchewan approaches, the RCMP is highlighting the ongoing issue of missing persons in the province. In 2023 alone, 2,533 individuals were reported missing to the Saskatchewan RCMP, with 140 cases of long-term missing persons currently unsolved. Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore acknowledges the challenges faced by the RCMP in handling missing persons cases, citing limited resources and a small unit dedicated to dealing with these files. She emphasizes the need for more support and resources to effectively address each case and provide regular updates to families, acknowledging the importance of communication and support for those affected by missing persons cases.
Despite increased funding from the province and federal government towards missing person cases, families like Mekayla Bali’s continue to face uncertainty and heartache as they wait for answers about their missing loved ones. Paula Bali remains steadfast in her belief that Mekayla is still alive until proven otherwise, holding onto hope even as the years go by. She expresses frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation into her daughter’s disappearance and the perceived shortcomings of the RCMP in handling the case. Bali continues to advocate, speak out, and search for Mekayla, even as the passage of time brings deeper pain and uncertainty.
The challenges faced by families of missing persons are compounded by the emotional toll of not knowing what happened to their loved ones. Paula Bali describes the pain and trauma experienced by her family in the aftermath of Mekayla’s disappearance, highlighting the burden placed on families to search, advocate, and endure uncomfortable conversations in their quest for answers. Despite the difficulties and frustrations, Bali remains determined to find out the truth about Mekayla’s disappearance and refuses to give up hope. As the anniversary of Mekayla’s disappearance approaches each year, the family continues to hold onto the belief that she is out there somewhere, waiting to be found and brought home.
As the search for Mekayla Bali continues, her family remains steadfast in their determination to find answers and bring her home. The ongoing support and advocacy from Paula Bali and others in similar situations highlight the challenges faced by families of missing persons in their quest for closure and justice. The need for more resources, support, and communication from law enforcement agencies like the RCMP is crucial in addressing missing persons cases effectively and providing the necessary assistance to families in need. Despite the obstacles and frustrations faced by families of missing persons, their resilience, hope, and determination to find answers serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved disappearances and the importance of continued efforts to bring missing loved ones home.
